A joint, which consists of tendons, ligaments, a lining called the synovial membrane, and fluid-filled sacs called bursae, is the area of the body where two bones meet. The joints of the human body are divided into two major types: fixed and movable. Fixed joints are rigid, whereas movable joints allow the body to move and bend. Aching and joint pain usually affect the movable joints, especially the fingers, wrists, shoulders, elbows and knees.
Bursitis
Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that provide cushion to the joints and allow movement without friction. Bursae may be located between a tendon and the skin or between a tendon and bone, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. In normal circumstances, bursae allow fluid motion so that no aching or pain is felt in the joints during movement. Bursitis is a condition in which the bursae become inflamed. There are several causes of bursitis including repetitive motion of a particular joint, injury, infection and rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms of bursitis include aching joints, tenderness in the joints, swelling of the joints and warmth in the joint. The most commonly affected areas are the shoulder, knee, elbow and hip. Bursitis can usually be effectively treated with rest and avoidance of joint movement. Anti-inflammatory medications may also help to reduce inflammation and resulting aches and pain. If a combination of rest and medication does not work, fluid may be drawn out of the bursa anti-inflammatory medications may be injected directly into the joint. Physical therapy is also useful to regain normal movement of the joint.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by the chronic inflammation of joints as well as other body tissues. The disease usually affects the joints symmetrically, meaning that the same joints on both sides of the body are affected. The most commonly affected joints are those in the wrists, hands, elbows, shoulders, knees and ankles. The chronic inflammation causes aching joints, stiffness, swelling and nodules, which are small lumps that develop under the skin. Some of those with rheumatoid arthritis also experience fatigue, weight loss, fever and fluid accumulation. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis usually consists of a combination of medications combined with lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise and following a healthy diet. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to correct badly damaged joints.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is characterized by the gradual wearing down of the cartilage in a joint. When the cartilage becomes significantly worn down, the bones rub together during movement, resulting in aching joints, tenderness, stiffness, loss of flexibility and bone spurs, which are extra pieces of bone that form around the joints. The most commonly affected joints include the hands, hips, knees, neck and lower back. Treatment is aimed at symptom relief and includes medication and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to repair the joint.
